MAJOR: Gary Bettman and the NHL File Significant Lawsuit

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James Connelly
August 19, 2023 (1:16 PM)

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The NHL has filed a significant lawsuit against a business partner in hopes of saving millions in revenue.

NHL Sues DSG

The Diamond Sports Group, the parent company to Bally Sports, has recently filed for bankruptcy which could cost 12 NHL franchises millions. Bally Sports owns the broadcasting rights to 12 franchises and with their parent company bankrupt, the NHL is in need of payment.

In an ongoing legal battle with Diamond Sports Group, the parent company to Bally Sports, the NHL is reportedly seeking emergency relief funds if negotiations are not settled quickly. Currently, 12 organizations have their media rights held by Bally Sports, and with a Texas judge extending DSG's reorganization deadline to September 30th, the NHL is seeking a contract break well before that date. On March 14, 2023, DSG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, holding responsibility for a reported $9B in debt, with the inability to pay.

37.5% of the NHL Affected

The 12 teams that Bally owns broadcasting rights to are as follows.

Anaheim Ducks
Arizona Coyotes
Carolina Hurricanes
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars
Detroit Red Wings
Florida Panthers
Los Angeles Kings
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
Tampa Bay Lightning

If the NHL is deemed able to breach their contract, we could see other companies take up broadcasting rights. While it is unsure which companies will do so, it will certainly be more than one company and those companies will be able to pay the NHL for their rights.

As seen on Blade of Steel - National Hockey League involved in heated legal battle in an attempt to break a legally binding contract